United Nations Security Council Resolution 83

Definition

United Nations Security Council Resolution 83 was adopted on July 27, 1950, in response to North Korea's invasion of South Korea. This resolution called for member states to provide military assistance to South Korea and led to the establishment of a United Nations Command to support South Korea in the Korean War, highlighting the international community's commitment to collective security during the Cold War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Resolution 83 was pivotal as it marked the first time the UN took military action under its charter, showcasing the organization's role in global peacekeeping.
2. The resolution allowed member nations to assist South Korea militarily, which led to a coalition of forces from 16 countries, primarily led by the United States.
3. This resolution also emphasized the principles of collective security, as it sought to repel aggression without needing direct involvement from all member states.
4. The passage of Resolution 83 was made possible due to the absence of the Soviet Union from the Security Council, allowing for unanimous support among the remaining members.
5. The implementation of Resolution 83 played a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, leading directly into the era defined by NSC-68 and heightened military commitment globally.

Review Questions

• How did United Nations Security Council Resolution 83 influence international military cooperation during the Korean War?
  • United Nations Security Council Resolution 83 significantly influenced international military cooperation by calling upon member states to assist South Korea against North Korean aggression. It led to the creation of a multinational force under United Nations Command, primarily dominated by U.S. troops. This collaborative effort not only helped repel North Korean forces but also established a precedent for future UN military interventions, demonstrating a unified response to aggression.
• Discuss how NSC-68 relates to United Nations Security Council Resolution 83 and its implications for U.S. foreign policy in the early Cold War period.
  • NSC-68 was a pivotal document that influenced U.S. foreign policy by advocating for a strong military response to perceived communist threats. This aligns with United Nations Security Council Resolution 83, as both emphasized the need for robust action against aggression—in this case, North Korea's invasion of South Korea. The resolution provided a platform for implementing NSC-68's recommendations, leading to increased military spending and a more interventionist U.S. stance in global conflicts during the Cold War.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of United Nations Security Council Resolution 83 on global security frameworks and collective security initiatives.
  • United Nations Security Council Resolution 83 had lasting impacts on global security frameworks by establishing precedents for collective security initiatives under UN auspices. It demonstrated that international collaboration could effectively respond to aggression while reinforcing the importance of multilateralism in peacekeeping efforts. The resolution's influence can be seen in subsequent conflicts where UN interventions were warranted, solidifying the role of international organizations in addressing global security issues and paving the way for future collective security agreements.

Related terms

Korean War: A conflict between North Korea and South Korea from 1950 to 1953, which became a significant aspect of Cold War tensions involving multiple nations.

NSC-68: A key U.S. policy document from 1950 that advocated for a significant increase in military spending to counter the Soviet threat and guide American foreign policy during the Cold War.

Cold War: A prolonged period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States, along with their respective allies, from the end of World War II until the early 1990s.